Best Paver Sealer (2019): Reviews & Comparison

The beautification of the exterior of your house is just as important as keeping the insides clean and good to look at. You can add walkways, patios, gazebos, and many more structures to increase the appeal of your home. Any construction or work that you get done in your yard or outside the house, however, needs to be sealed well in order for it to withstand the many forces of nature. For example, there can be wind, precipitation or other problems that can compromise with the stability of the pavers.

While you may know that paved patios and walkways are a rage among homeowners, many people overlook the amount of care that is required to keep them in the best possible shape. If you are struggling with pavers and what is required to keep them looking their best, here is a brief guide that will help you understand the different types of pavers, how they are sealed and the best paver sealers in the market.

What are the Best Paver Sealers

Even after going through all the factors mentioned above, there can be some confusion about what is the best paver sealer for your needs in particular. These sealers can be bought at any store or through online platforms but there are some brands that have built a better reputation than others. In order to walk you through the best paver sealers available in the market, we have reviewed them below. This should make it easier for you to make a choice!

Black Diamond Stoneworks Wet Look Natural Stone Sealer

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KILZ Low-Lustre Sealer

If a high gloss sealer is not what you are looking for, the KILZ Low-Lustre Sealer is worth looking at. It is a little more expensive than the wet look variant by the same company but it is the best paver sealer for people who don’t like their surfaces to be shiny. This affordable paver sealer preserves the look of the pavers – made from concrete, brick or other materials – without any yellowing in the long run.

Before you use this product, you will have to ensure that the surface is cleaned well. There should be no chalk, dusk, oil or grease on the pavers before you apply the sealer with paint brushes, rollers or sprays.

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Foundation Armor SX5000 Concrete & Masonry Sealer

A  highly sophisticated Silane-Siloxane sealer that can be used to seal many different types of pavers is the Foundation Armor SX5000 Concrete & Masonry Sealer. It is a penetrating sealer that will go deep into the surface to carry out chemical reactions that will close the pavers to any harm that could be caused by water.

This means your pavers will be waterproof because of the product’s water repelling properties. It uses a solvent-based formula to give you greater durability that will extend the life of the sealer. It can last for as long as 10 years if proper maintenance is carried out.

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Masonry Defender Wet Look Patio Paver Sealer

Another wet look sealer that is popular amongst homeowners is the Masonry Defender Wet Look Patio Paver Sealer. Specifically an acrylic paver sealer, the product utilizes a water-based formula to provide your paving stones with a rich look and a satiny shine. The product complies with common VOC standards and prevents any loss of color or yellowing in the long run.

In addition to this, the product will also make your pavers resistant to mildew and prevent the growth of weeds amongst the paving stones. The Masonry Defender sealer has water-repelling properties. You may notice a milky white film when you first apply it but it will dry up completely clear.

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EnduraSeal Wet Look Concrete Sealer

One of the best-wet look sealers available in the market is the EnduraSeal Wet Look Concrete Sealer. It is a pure acrylic sealer made with a solvent-based formula. Not only will it give your pavers a glossy sheen, but it will also prevent any possible yellowing that could occur over time.

This sealer will penetrate into the surface of the pavers and save them from any damage that these could be subject to. In addition to the sealing, it will also be able to enhance the look of your pavers. Initially, the finish will be very glossy but over time it will dull down a little bit, making it suitable for many different house owners.

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Concrete Coatings SuperSeal 2000

Another acrylic sealer that isn’t too expensive and can do a remarkable job of sealing concrete surfaces is Concrete Coatings’ SuperSeal 2000. More popular amongst professionals rather than beginners, this product will take some time to dry but will be able to provide you with the glossy finish that you are looking for. It can be applied using a paint roller or even in the form of a spray.

Another benefit of using this product is that it will not only give your pavers or concrete surfaces the protection they require, it will also enhance their overall look. It is suitable for use outdoors as well as indoors. However, ensure that the area is well ventilated if you are using it inside.

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DryWay Water-Repellent Concrete Sealer

If you are looking for a sealer that will solve multiple purposes, the DryWay Water-Repellent Concrete Sealer is a great option to consider. It can be used to seal patios, walkways, driveways, sidewalks and many more concrete surfaces. This product will protect your concrete pavers against water, spillage, growth of mold, and other factors that can lead to deterioration over time.

Once you treat the pavers or other concrete surfaces with the DryWay product, any water that it comes in contact with simply bead or roll over from the surface. This sealer is also resistant to heat or UV rays and can last for over 5 years after application.

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Foundation Armor AR350 Concrete & Masonry Sealer

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What Are Pavers?

Many people like to upgrade the look of their walkway or patio by paving them with materials like stones, concrete or brick. These aren’t just slabs of the material lined on the walkway. These are smaller pieces that are molded into a particular shape, which are then laid down for their aesthetic appeal and durability. Such pieces are known as paving stones or pavers and give a good amount of structure to your yard.

If you build a patio with good quality pavers, it can last up to 25 to 30 years. Therefore, it can be a good investment in the long run, especially if you are a homeowner.

What Are They Made Of?

Pavers and paving stones can be made of a number of different materials. You can choose the material that is most suitable for your personal needs – depending on the look, the levels of maintenance and so on. There are two distinct categories of pavers – natural and manufactured. Some of the pavers that come under both these categories are mentioned below.

Why Do You Need to Seal Pavers?

The main reason for sealing the pavers in your patios, walkway or driveway is to increase their longevity. Pavers are usually porous by nature, especially if you are using brick pavers to line your front or back yard. The many forces of nature can easily damage these paving stones, making the task of maintenance very tedious. For example, there may be a lot of rainwater that seeps into the pavers in the gaps between them. This can compromise their integrity and also lead to numerous growths that may seem unsightly in the long run.

To avoid such situations, you can use the best paver sealer for your paving stones and apply it onto the surface. This will seal the pavers to mitigate any further damage but still give them enough space for breathability. The application of these sealers is also fairly simple, which means you won’t even need to bring in a professional to do the project.

Types of Paver Sealers

There are many types of sealers that can be used to seal pavers, depending on the material that the paving stones are made of and the final effect that you desire. Some of the more popular types, depending on their composition, are mentioned below.

Silicate Sealers

The first type of sealers being discussed here are the silicate sealers or reactive densifiers. These work on the basis of chemical reactions and help in strengthening and improving the density of your pavers. It is, however, not the best option for most people as it can cause a layer of white crystals to form on top of the pavers. After these crystals form, especially because of over application, they cannot be removed. You will have to remove the entire paver.

Silane-Siloxane Sealers

The next type of paver sealers that are very popular among professionals and homeowners are silane-siloxane sealers. They penetrate into the surface of the paver to react with the material and form a waterproof barrier. The best part about these sealers is that they won’t change how your paving stones look. These will give you long lasting protection – up to 10 years – against any major damage that can harm your pavers.

Acrylic Sealers

The last type of paver sealers that are very popular is the acrylic variety. They are available in a number of variants – low gloss, high gloss or wet look. When they penetrate the surface of the pavers, they leave a thin film to protect the pavers against damage. They differ from silane-siloxane sealers as the acrylic sealers stop the deterioration completely, instead of just reducing it like silane-siloxane sealers manage to do. However, these sealers will have to be applied again after a couple of years.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Making the Purchase

Picking the best paver sealer for your needs can be a confusing task. There are a number of factors that need to be considered before you can zero in on one. Similarly, some sealers that work like magic for certain surfaces don’t give the same level of protection for other surfaces. To make this process a little easier for you, here are some of the things that you should consider before picking a paver sealer.

Ease of Application

First and foremost, it is important that you pick a paver sealer that is easy to apply and won’t need any professional help. Enlisting the help of a professional can cost you money, but doing the job yourself will save that extra money and can turn out to be an interesting project thanks to the simplicity of it. However, some brands are a little more confusing, so it will be helpful if you choose the more user-friendly one that can be applied with a paint brush, roller, spray or so on.

Versatility

It is always helpful if the product that you purchase can be used for a variety of different surfaces. For example, you could be sealing your driveway and once you are done, you can use the same sealer on other stone or concrete surfaces. This will help in avoiding the purchase of many different kinds of sealers around the house.

Maintenance

Not every paver sealer is easy to clean and maintain. These can be very sticky, leaving a mess during the application process and after that. Therefore, it is important that you pick one that is easy to clean up once you are done with the application. Similarly, it should be easy to maintain in the long run.

Durability

The best paver sealers in the market are the ones that can withstand the daily wear and tear of foot traffic after application. Once applied to the pavers, they should be able to last for a while without the need for constant reapplication. While cheaper options can lose their strength over time, the good quality options can last for years after they are applied. These will not discolor over time and maintain a glossy finish, without being slippery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I seal my pavers?

Whether or not you seal your pavers is a personal choice. Adding paver sealer is definitely a bit of work but it's also a relatively low-maintenance product; sealing pavers does offer several benefits. A sealer will maintain the durability of the pavers, prevent stains, minimize fading as a result of UV ray exposure, prevent mold and mildew growth, and can enhance the overall look of the pavers by making the natural color of the material appear more vibrant.

What is the best sealer for pavers?

The best sealer for pavers depends on the specific type of material the pavers are made of and the look you are attempting to create. There are several different types of sealers available.

Some do not alter the appearance of a paver’s surface, but rather simply improve their durability, while others create a “wet look” finish. In addition, there are topical, or film-forming and penetrating, or non-film-forming sealers. The former are made with acrylic or polyurethane, while the latter are made with silanes, fluropolymers, and siloxanes.

Generally speaking, film-forming paver sealers are the best option, as they create a protective barrier over the surface of the material, which helps to prevent moisture penetration, fading, and corrosion.

Does sealing pavers prevent mold?

Mold growth is a common problem for pavers. Applying sealer can help to prevent its growth. A penetrative sealer that reduces the permeability of the pavers will prevent moisture penetration, thus reducing the potential for mold growth. In addition to preventing mold, a sealer will also help to minimize weed, moss, and grass growth, reduce UV damage, and can potentially prevent the intrusion of insects.

Should you seal sandstone paving?

Sandstone pavers are visually appealing and well-suited for exterior use; however, because they are very porous in nature, they are susceptible to water and liquid penetration, staining, chips, and cracks.

To improve the durability of sandstone pavers and enhance the visual appearance of the material, applying a sealer to pavers that are made of sandstone is highly recommended. A deep-penetrating stone stain will yield the best results.

How much do paver sealers cost?

The cost of paver sealer varies. There are several factors that affect the price of paver sealer; the type of sealer, whether or not it features any pigment, and the location where the sealer is purchased are all aspects that will impact the price. For example, deep-penetrating, “wet-look” sealers tend to cost more than surface penetrating, latex stain that doesn’t alter or enhance the look of the pavers.

Does the sealer make the pavers slippery?

Whether or not paver sealer is slippery depends on the type of sealer that is used and the material that the sealer has been applied to. For example, wet cast brick pavers have a smooth surface and certain types of sealers, such as “wet look” sealers, can make them slippery; additionally, low-quality sealers can also make pavers slippery.

However, there are skid-resistant additives available that can be mixed in with paver sealer before it dries; these additives add grip to the surface of a sealed paver, thus reducing the slipperiness.

Verdict

Some of the factors that need to be brought under consideration before choosing the right kind of sealer for the paving stones that you have at home have been discussed before. In addition to these, you should also keep in mind some other things, for example, the amount of money you are willing to spend, the finish that suits your taste and finally the material that the paver sealer needs to be used on.

In the list provided above, most of the options are suitable for application on concrete pavers. Therefore, if you have concrete pavers at home, you have a number of paver sealers to choose from, including the EnduraSeal variant of the SuperSeal 2000 variant. If you aren’t looking for too much shine in the final product, the KILZ product with its low-luster finish can be a good option.

Finally, while the Foundation Armor sealers and the Black Diamond Stoneworks sealer are on the more expensive side, they offer exceptional protection and a glossy overall finish. These products are easy to apply and don’t give trouble for over 5 years if you are carrying out proper maintenance. Any of these options will work very well if you are looking to seal the pavers in your patio, walkway or driveway.